The refuge lies in the floodplain of the White River near where it meets the mighty Mississippi River. Long and narrow, three to 10 miles wide and almost 90 miles long, the refuge is one of the largest remaining bottomland hardwood forests in the Mississippi River Valley. The refuge's fertile forests and three hundred lakes are interlaced with streams, sloughs, and bayous. The result is a haven for a myriad of native wildlife and migratory birds. Admission is free but a refuge user permit is required for hunting, fishing, camping, and ATV use. This extensive preserve offers over 150 natural lakes, deer, wild turkey, black bear, alligators, waterfowl; largest hardwood bottomland preserve in the country.